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Lesson 5 - Roman Warrior Yoga Poses

Imaginative Mindfulness in Yoga

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Year 1

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Yoga

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44 min

Big Question

How can we use our bodies to tell stories from ancient Rome?

Learning Objectives

Perform yoga poses that represent Roman themes and characters
Demonstrate improved balance and body control through warrior and tree poses
Show understanding of Roman history through movement and storytelling

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully hold Roman-themed yoga poses for 10-15 seconds
Students will demonstrate safe practice during yoga movements
Students will connect physical movements to historical learning about Romans

Equipment & Resources Required

Yoga Mat

1 per student (30)

Spread evenly around space with room for movement

Alternative: Carpet squares, blankets

Storybook

Ready for relaxation time reading

Alternative: Printed story, tablet with story

Team Tokens

30-35

Mix of achievement and attainment rewards prepared

Alternative: Stamps, certificates, verbal praise

Key Vocabulary

Warrior Pose

A strong standing yoga pose with wide legs and arms extended

Tree Pose

A balancing pose standing on one leg with arms like branches

Bridge Pose

Lying on back with bottom lifted up like a bridge arch

Child's Pose

A resting pose kneeling with forehead touching the floor

Romans

Ancient people who built a great empire with roads, bridges and armies

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic standing and sitting positions
Simple breathing techniques
Following movement instructions

Current Skills

Roman-themed pose sequences
Warrior pose variations
Historical movement storytelling

Next Steps

More complex balancing poses
Partner yoga poses
Creating own historical yoga sequences

Milestone Indicators

Holds poses for appropriate duration

Shows improved balance and control

Connects movement to learning themes

Key Teaching Points

Safety first - only stretch and balance as far as comfortable
Romans were strong and controlled - move with purpose and patience
Breathing helps with balance and calmness - use it throughout poses
Every pose can be modified - there's no perfect way, only your way
Historical connections make movement meaningful and memorable
Relaxation is as important as active poses for complete practice
Individual creativity in poses builds confidence and ownership

Common Misconceptions

Poses must be held for long periods - start with short holds and build gradually
Everyone should look the same in poses - individual body differences are normal
Yoga is only stretching - it also builds strength, balance and focus
Romans were only about fighting - they also built, created and rested
Perfect pose form is required - effort and safety matter more than perfection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short pose holds initially, movement breaks between poses, clear, simple instructions

dyspraxia

Extra demonstration time, step-by-step pose breakdown, partner support for balance

autism spectrum

Predictable routine structure, quiet relaxation space available, visual yoga pose cards

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of poses, tactile guidance for alignment, consistent mat positions

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, partner buddy system

physical disability

Chair-based pose modifications, wall support options, individualized pose variations

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Body systems during exercise, balance and stability, breathing and relaxation

Art

Roman art and sculpture poses, creative expression through movement

Geography

Ancient Rome location, Roman expansion across Europe, Roman building features

History

Roman Empire, Roman inventions, soldier life, Roman roads and architecture

PSHE

Confidence building, emotional regulation, respecting others, personal limits

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space to observe all students, particularly during balance poses

Observation Focus

Watch for safe alignment, individual effort, and historical theme engagement

Intervention Points

Step in when poses appear unsafe or students need alignment support

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate poses slowly with clear alignment points, show modifications for different abilities

Verbal Cues

•'Strong like Roman warriors!'
•'Breathe slowly and deeply!'
•'Only go as far as feels good!'
•'Romans were patient and controlled!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 8m x 12m indoor space with non-slip surface

Surface Check

Ensure clean, non-slip floor suitable for bare feet or socks

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check yoga mats are clean and non-slip
•Ensure adequate spacing between mats
•Storybook in good condition with no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Falls during balance poses
•Neck strain in bridge pose
•Collisions during movement activities
•Overexertion in poses

Risk Mitigation

•Walls available for balance support
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Clear instructions for safe pose entry and exit
•Emphasis on individual limits and comfort

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during balance poses
•Monitor neck alignment in bridge poses
•Check for students forcing poses beyond comfort
•Watch for safe transitions between positions

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed